If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-satisfying meal that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe should be your next go-to. I absolutely love how the tender corned beef melds with the rich bitterness of Guinness, creating a stew that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or just a slow Sunday afternoon, this recipe hits the spot every single time.
When I first tried this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients and a bit of patience come together to develop such deep, hearty flavors. The veggies soak up all that delicious broth, and the hint of brown sugar balances everything perfectly. You’ll find that it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: You prep, start the slow cooker, and come back to a beautifully tender, flavor-packed stew.
- Bold Guinness Flavor: The Guinness Draught beer adds a uniquely rich, deep taste that’s hard to beat.
- Hearty and Nutritious: With a combo of beef, root vegetables, and corn, it’s a well-rounded meal in a bowl.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: A crowd-pleaser for family dinners, especially during chilly months or festive celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create layers of flavor—from tender corned beef to the sweet earthiness of butternut squash and the savory tang of pickling spices. When shopping, look for fresh veggies and a quality Guinness Draught for the best results.
- Corned beef brisket: Picking a good-quality brisket with some marbling makes the stew extra juicy and flavorful.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning essentials to enhance the natural flavors.
- Olive oil: Divided use helps with searing and softening aromatics.
- Yellow onion: Diced to release sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Thinly sliced to maximize aromatic richness without overpowering.
- Tomato paste: Adds a hint of umami and thickens the base.
- Baby red potatoes: Quartered for tender bites that hold their shape well.
- Carrots: Chopped into 1-inch pieces for sweetness and texture.
- Butternut squash: Cubed to bring a soft, nutty touch that balances the beef.
- Unsalted beef stock: A savory liquid base without extra salt for balance.
- Guinness Draught beer: The star ingredient that brings richness and complexity.
- Dark brown sugar: Just enough sweetness to mellow the bitterness of the beer.
- Chopped thyme: Fresh or dried, it brightens the stew with herbal notes.
- Pickling spices (optional): Typically included with corned beef, for added depth and classic flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the stew into a luscious sauce.
- Corn kernels: Fresh or canned for bursts of sweetness and texture.
- Minced parsley: Fresh garnish that adds color and a touch of herbaceousness.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to swap out veggies or tweak spices to suit your cravings—you’ll be amazed at how adaptable it is.
- Vegetable swaps: I’ve swapped butternut squash for parsnips or turnips with great results—both add nice texture and sweetness.
- Make it gluten-free: You can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the stew without losing richness.
- Spice it up: For a bit of a kick, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne works wonders.
- Extra herbs: Rosemary or bay leaves can be tossed in early on for a real flavor boost.
How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Trim and Cube the Corned Beef
Start by trimming off any big chunks of fat from your corned beef brisket, but leave a thin layer to keep it juicy during cooking. Then, cut the beef into roughly 1-inch cubes—about 3 cups in total. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors before searing.
Step 2: Sear the Meat for Extra Flavor
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the beef cubes for about 2 minutes per side to develop that lovely brown crust—this caramelization is key for depth of flavor. If your pan gets crowded, do this in batches so the meat browns nicely instead of steaming. Once done, transfer all the browned beef to your 6-quart slow cooker.
Step 3: Microwave the Onions, Garlic, and Tomato Paste
To soften the aromatics quickly, combine diced onions, thinly sliced garlic, tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the onions become tender and fragrant. This shortcut really helps build a rich flavor base without extra fuss. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker on top of the meat.
Step 4: Add Vegetables, Beer, and Stock
Next, add your quartered baby red potatoes, chopped carrots, and cubed butternut squash to the slow cooker. Pour in 3 cups of unsalted beef stock and 1 ½ cups of Guinness Draught beer for that iconic bitterness and aroma. Don’t forget the dark brown sugar, chopped thyme, and optional pickling spices that came with your corned beef for an extra zing. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or low for 6 to 7 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the beef melts in your mouth. This slow transformation is where all the magic happens—the flavors deepen, and the stew thickens naturally.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce and Add Corn
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with ¾ cup of hot stew liquid until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Stir in ½ cup of corn kernels for a little pop of sweetness and texture, then cover and cook on high for 30 more minutes.
Step 7: Serve with Fresh Parsley
Ladle your Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew into warm bowls and garnish generously with minced fresh parsley. The parsley adds a vibrant color and a fresh balance to the rich stew. Grab a cozy blanket and enjoy every comforting bite!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
- Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the beef first locks in flavor and gives the stew its rich color.
- Microwave Aromatics Shortcut: Soften onions and garlic quickly to save time without losing taste.
- Adjust Thickness Last Minute: Add the flour slurry towards the end to avoid over-thickening your stew.
- Keep an Eye on Veggies: If your potatoes or squash start getting mushy, reduce cooking time accordingly next time.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with fresh minced parsley because its brightness cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I throw on a little cracked black pepper for extra kick or even a dollop of sour cream if we’re feeling indulgent. It’s all about what you enjoy!
Side Dishes
For sides, my family loves crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious stew juice. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans add a fresh contrast that brightens the meal. I promise you’ll enjoy the balance of hearty and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve served this stew in rustic bread bowls, which always impress guests and make for a fun interactive meal. Another time, I garnished with crispy fried onions on top for extra texture. It’s such a versatile dish, you can dress it up or keep it simple depending on the occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find that the flavors actually develop even more overnight. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy weekday dinners or lunches.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and label with the date. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef stock or water helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwave works in a pinch too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
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Can I use regular beer instead of Guinness in this stew?
Absolutely! Guinness adds a unique richness and slight bitterness, but you can substitute with other dark beers like a stout or porter for similar depth. Avoid lighter beers as they won’t provide the same character.
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How do I prevent the vegetables from overcooking?
If you’re worried about mushy veggies, cut them into larger pieces and cook on low heat. Alternatively, add softer vegetables like squash towards the last couple of hours to keep some texture.
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Can I make this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can brown the beef with the sauté function, then pressure cook the stew for about 35-40 minutes, followed by a quick release. Keep an eye on cooking times for the vegetables to avoid overcooking.
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Is corned beef necessary, or can I use other cuts?
Corned beef brisket brings that signature flavor and tenderness, but you can substitute with chuck roast or stewing beef if needed. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since these cuts differ in texture.
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Can I omit the pickling spices?
Yes, pickling spices are optional and add a classic corned beef aroma. If you don’t have them, no worries—the beef and Guinness will still create delicious flavor on their own.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those comforting dishes that brings everyone together around the table. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and makes the house smell incredible—all the signs of a keeper in my book. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as satisfying and easy to love as I do. Trust me, once you taste this stew, it’ll become a regular in your slow cooker rotation.
Print
Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew features tender corned beef brisket and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in rich Guinness beer and beef stock. Infused with aromatic herbs and pickling spices, this hearty stew is perfect for a comforting meal and is especially fitting for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds corned beef brisket
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil (divided)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups yellow onion (½” dice)
- 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups baby red potatoes (quartered, 1” pieces)
- 2 cups carrots (1” pieces)
- 2 cups butternut squash (1” cubes)
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
Liquids and Flavorings
- 3 cups unsalted beef stock
- 1 ½ cups Guinness Draught beer
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chopped thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 packet pickling spices (optional, comes with corned beef)
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Corned Beef: Trim the excess fat from the surface of the beef, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Cut the brisket into 1-inch cubes to yield about 3 cups. Season the beef cubes evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Meat: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in a single layer and brown them for about 2 minutes per side, totaling roughly 8 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Once browned, transfer the seared meat to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Microwave the Aromatics: In a microwave-safe dish, combine the diced onions, sliced garlic, tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to ensure even cooking. The onions should become tender and fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add Beer and Vegetables: Add the quartered potatoes, carrots, butternut squash cubes, beef stock, Guinness beer, dark brown sugar, chopped thyme, and pickling spices (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients well to combine flavors.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the stew on high heat for 3 to 4 hours or on low heat for 6 to 7 hours. The vegetables, especially the potatoes, should be fork-tender when done.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with ¾ cup of the hot stew liquid, whisking until smooth to create a slurry. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir thoroughly. Add the corn kernels, cover again, and continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the stew.
- Serve: Ladle the hearty stew into individual bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of minced parsley. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- This stew is hearty and features tender corned beef simmered with root vegetables and the distinct flavors of Guinness beer and spices, making it an ideal dish for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy dinner.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, consider checking the stew earlier to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
- Pickling spices are optional but add an authentic flavor note typical of corned beef dishes.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can increase the flour slurry by an additional tablespoon, adjusting liquid quantities accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 491 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1509 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg
